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Emergency Accommodation Project
The following page outlines Homeless Link's new project to examine the availability and effectiveness of different emergency accommodation solutions for non-statutory homeless people across England.
- New report 'Emergency Accommodation: A survey of provision in areas with no direct access hostel' available to download here This report is based on interviews with 145 local authorities across the country.
Background
In some areas, direct access hostels are used as one way of addressing the immediate accommodation needs of homeless people and rough sleepers. Although not long term solutions, they can provide a valuable first step for homeless people with nowhere to go, and a useful means of gaining access to other services such as employment advice, drug treatment facilities and resettlement options. Homeless Link defines direct access hostels as projects that are open all year round and meet most or all of the following criteria (night shelters are included in this definition):
- Will accept self-referrals
- Have frequent vacancies
- Do not hold a waiting list
- Intended to be short stay accommodation
- Provide 24-hour staff cover
Using this definition, our Survey of Needs and Provision (SNAP) showed that 228 district or unitary authorities do not have a direct access hostel (64%).
Although an important part of homelessness provision in some local areas, direct access hostels are by no means the only way of addressing immediate accommodation needs.
Project aim
This project aims to examine the 228 areas across England with no direct access hostel to explore the options available to non-statutory homeless people, and identify any effective alternative forms of emergency provision.
Methodology
The first phase of the project involves analysis of a telephone survey conducted with local authorities in areas with no direct access hostel. The second phase of the project will involve a series of in depth case studies looking at the barriers and solutions related to the provision of emergency accommodation, as well as examples of good practice and innovative solutions.
Further information
For further information on this project, please contact helen.mathie@homelesslink.org.uk
If you are homeless and in need of emergency accommodation, contact the housing department of your local council and they should be able to help you. You can also look for emergency accommodation in your area on our Homeless UK database, www.homelessuk.org , or contact Shelter's free, national telephone advice line on 0808 800 4444